Jorge Martires | Principal Consultant
Aug 1, 20202 min read
EHAZOP – HAZOP technique applied
for electrical designs
Updated: Jun 12, 2023
[Link]
designs
In this article:
1. HAZOP and EHAZOP process
2. EHAZOP methodology and application
3. EHAZOP risk analysis advantages
HAZOP is a structured multi-disciplinary workshop with the objective of
identifying hazards and operability issues in new designs or design modifications.
The HAZOP technique is typically applied to process designs in many different
industries, such as oil and gas, automotive, nuclear, etc. EHAZOP, or Electrical
HAZOP, is the application of the HAZOP technique for electrical designs.
HAZOP and EHAZOP process
As for process installations carrying hazardous substances, electrical currents
can also be potentially harmful. Furthermore, operability and availability issues
are costly since electrical power is often an essential utility for operations.
Traditionally, the electrical design is only cross-checked by the use of standard
design reviews. The main purpose of EHAZOP is to assure that the design of each
sub-component is according to applicable standards, laws, and regulations.
Ultimately, the end-user or integrator will have the responsibility to analyze and
mitigate possible hazards. This is due to e.g. interface misalignment or package
designs not conforming to specifications.
EHAZOP methodology and application
An Electrical HAZOP (EHAZOP) is conducted to offer a complement for design
reviews as an organized brainstorming. EHAZOP is carried out with participation
from parties involved in the design and engineering of the electric system
together with the suppliers and end users. The methodology is based on IEC
61882 with appropriate guidelines and parameters. A typical strategy is to divide
the system into nodes corresponding to the different bus bar voltage levels (e.g.
24V, 110V, 11 kV, etc). The parameters, besides the more typical voltage,
current, power, frequency, earthing, etc…, shall also involve more typical HAZID
parameters in relation to the electric design, such as lightning protection, fire
protection, location, housing, etc. The guidewords are usually over, spike, under,
dip, offset, fault, segregation, load shedding, and blackout, among others,
depending on the specific design. ORS will tailor-made the EHAZOP to your needs
and electric design.
EHAZOP risk analysis advantages
EHAZOP is truly an advantageous tool for custom systems where a high level of
integration is required. It is a recognized exercise to help minimize the risk
inherently associated with high-power installations. ORS's experience with
EHAZOPs has proven useful to clients for refining their electrical design with
safety and operability in mind.
